Effective self defense is any set of techniques where the objective is to repel and deter any offensive action that is carried out against our physical integrity (or that of third parties). There is also an aspect of civil responsibility when it comes to self-defense; an adversary ought to be reduced and neutralized safely, without provoking any excessive or unreasonable injuries. To the contrary, any person who seriously harms another may be legally liable, even if he or she was acting in self defense.
 
Jiu Jitsu is one of the most ancient Japanese martial arts. In fact, Jiu Jitsu is in many ways the grandfather of martial arts; Judo, Karate, and Akido are all derived from Jiu Jitsu, and in recent years Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become extremely popular. Jiu Jitsu is based on blows, holds, dislocations, throws, take downs, grappling, ‘katas’ (specialized training exercises), and weaponry. Jiu Jitsu is undoubtedly the most complete martial art, and many of its techniques definitely come in handy when one must defend his or her self. In fact, many high profile personal security firms and law enforcement agencies receive Jiu Jitsu training.
 
However, even beginners who are in relatively good physical condition are able to safely and successfully defend themselves with Jiu Jitsu. Here are some of the best Jiu Jitsu maneuvers for self defense.
 
1. The Scarf Hold
This is an extremely effective and relatively simple ground maneuver. Should you find yourself on the ground with an attacker, maneuver yourself so your back is against their chest. Once you have managed to get into this position, place your right arm around your opponent’s neck and grab a hold of their clothing. Then get your left armpit firmly on top of and around their right arm,locking it in.
 
2. Straight Arm Lock
This move works wonders when an attacker tries to throw an upper-cut to your gut. Start by countering the punch with a left-handed downward block. Next, quickly grab a a hold of the attacker’s wrist with your right hand and then pivot on your left foot, firmly replanting your right foot so you are now standing beside your opponent with their wrist immobilized in the clasp of your right hand. You are now in a position to strike at the head or administer a body shot with your left elbow. Alternatively, you are in a position to apply an arm lock by pulling their right arm and then wrapping your left arm high up on their right arm. Grab onto their clothing for even greater leverage and then rotate their wrist downwards (clockwise).
 
3. Hip Throw With Cross Arm Lock
If someone tries to attack you with a straight punch you can take them to the ground and immobilize them with this move. First block the punch with an inside forearm block and step in with your left foot. Now turn counter clockwise on the ball of your left foot, wrap your right arm around your attacker’s back and then place your feet together. Now you’re in position to take them down by throwing them over your back.
 
Bend down low at the knees and lean in to pull the opponent onto your back. Now straighten your legs to lift them off the ground where they can then be thrown to your left. Bring your head into your left knee and then throw to the ground. Holding their right wrist tightly with your left hand, step on their head with your left foot and then slide it down so your left heel is underneath their jaw.
 
Elevate the attacker with your right arm and administer a right foot kick to their back before than sliding your foot underneath their back as far in as you can. Now it’s time for the cross arm lock.
 
Sit down and use both hands to pull your opponent’s right arm across your right knee. You should end up with heel hooked under the attacker’s head and their arm locked against your knee. Needless to say, this dramatic take-down will have the attacker seriously regretting attempting to punch you.
 
It should be obvious at this point that Jiu Jitsu -like any other serious self defense technique- is cumulative; simpler movements are the building blocks for more complicated maneuvers. We haven’t even covered the most complicated moves in Jiu Jitsu. The last move we covered is the most complicated of the three, and it’s one that Jiu Jitsu students learn at the early yellow belt level. Still, even the relative beginner can use Jiu Jitsu for successful self defense, even when a would be attacker is far greater in size.